Mercedes-Benz Preparing to Launch Digital Car Key Support for iPhone and Apple Watch in Latest E-Class Sedan - MacRumors
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Mercedes-Benz Preparing to Launch Digital Car Key Support for iPhone and Apple Watch in Latest E-Class Sedan

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Apple's digital car key feature for iPhone and Apple Watch is expanding to Mercedes-Benz, with changes to Apple's back-end configuration files for the feature having been updated today with references to the automaker, as noticed by Nicolás Álvarez (via @aaronp613).

mercedes 2023 e class dash
Only a handful of brands including BMW, BYD, Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia have so far introduced support for the feature on select models, which allows you to add a digital car key to the Wallet app on your iPhone and Apple Watch and then lock, unlock, and start your car without needing a physical key. Just a month ago, Lotus appeared in Apple's configuration files as another upcoming brand that will support the feature.

Mercedes-Benz announced last month that the new E-Class sedan will support the feature, which it refers to as Digital Vehicle Key, as part of its KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package. The E-Class digital key can be shared with up to 16 people, with the primary user able to assign certain rights to specific users such as only allowing access to the vehicle or also allowing it to be driven.

Depending on the technology adopted by a given manufacturer, you may need to hold your device in close proximity to the door handle or in-car reader, while other vehicles may support passive entry where the digital key will function as long as you have your device on you. Select vehicles may also support remote lock and unlock via the digital car key.

Tags: iPhone Car Keys Guide, Mercedes-Benz

Top Rated Comments

S
sharpie000
38 months ago
It's unfortunate all these auto manufacturers are still resistant to moving to a digital solution. Tesla incorporated digital keys into their vehicles and it's quite impressive. Walk up to the car, door unlocks and it's automatically on and ready to drive. When you've reached your destination, the minute you exit the car and close the door, the car shuts off and it'll lock and arm the car automatically.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Alexwastaken Avatar
Alexwastaken
38 months ago
I know this is sad but I've been waiting on more manufacturers to add this feature so I can buy a new car. I'll wait to see what Porsche does with the 992.2, but this is amazing news!!!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
sw1tcher
38 months ago

It's unfortunate all these auto manufacturers are still resistant to moving to a digital solution. Tesla incorporated digital keys into their vehicles and it's quite impressive. Walk up to the car, door unlocks and it's automatically on and ready to drive. When you've reached your destination, the minute you exit the car and close the door, the car shuts off and it'll lock and arm the car automatically.
Something like that is easier to implement on an EV than a vehicle with an ICE (internal combustion engine) such as this Mercedes E Class. Just because I enter or exit a vehicle doesn't mean I want the ICE to start up or shut off.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lazyrighteye Avatar
lazyrighteye
38 months ago
GM CEO just shakes her head...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B
Brad7
38 months ago

It's not reliable on walking up to the tailgate or passenger door (unlike my toyota). Having to open the drivers door, and hit the unlock button on the screen to put a dog in the back is a major PITA.

Plus, what do you hand a valet?
That only happens when you have the “Driver door-only” mode toggled on. Turn it off and all doors will unlock upon approach.

You get two card keys with the car, you just hand one to the valet.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
D
DaPizzaMan
38 months ago
This is one of those things that, like Passkeys, Matter, and "Find My" devices, needs a standard so both Android and iOS could take advantage of this feature.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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